MEDIA ADVISORY

WHEN: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Saturday, May 29

WHO: Angela Howard, North Central Florida YMCA’s President/CEO, and Alberto Lopez Torres, Florida Museum of Natural History Youth Outreach Coordinator

WHERE: North Central Florida YMCA, 5201 NW 34^th Boulevard, Gainesville, Florida 32605

WHAT: As part of the YMCA’s “Healthy Kids Day” event, the Florida Museum and North Central Florida YMCA are establishing a butterfly garden in the community. With the help of local children, Museum staff and attendees will plant 50 host and nectar plants, including milkweed, firebush, pentas and passion vines, and organize hands-on activities relating to pollinators. Scientists from the museum’s McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity will also bring live caterpillars and talk to attendees about life as a researcher.

Media are invited to attend the planting workshop where interviews and photo opportunities will be available.

DETAILS: To learn more about the program, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/museum-expands-garden-program.

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Florida Museum Contact: Nikhil Srinivasan
Direct Office: 352-273-2034
nsrinivasan@floridamuseum.ufl.edu

North Central Florida YMCA Contact: Angela Howard
Office Number: 352-374-9622
a.howard@ncfymca.org